Florida Panthers Acquire Hamill, Send Wellman to Washington Capitals

The Panthers have acquired former Bob Clarke Trophy (top scorer in the WHL) winner Zach Hamill from the Washington Capitals, in exchange for Casey Wellman, the San Antonio Rampage’s third leading scorer. Wellman was acquired by the Panthers from the New York Rangers for a 2014 5th round draft pick last July.

Hamill has played 20 NHL games, all with the Boston Bruins, and has four assists in his short career. In 296 career AHL games, Hamill has 160 points (0.54 PPG), never passing 44 in a single season. He spent four full seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, leading the league in scoring in 2007 with 93 points (a Silvertips franchise record). He holds the Silvertips record for career points with 262, and once held the record for most career games played at 250 (1.05 PPG player).

Hamill brings a lot of skill to the Rampage, but brings inconsistency as well. His skating is awful for a player of small size (5’10) and his two-way game needs improvement. However, his playmaking skills should help out the Rampage’s below average powerplay.